FDA Orders New Warning Labels For Hair Loss Drug Propecia

4/16/2012 4:32 PM ET

The FDA announced on Friday that Merck's anti-baldness and prostate drug finasteride, sold under the names Propecia and Proscar, will now carry new warning labels. Both labels of the drug will now warn users of possible sexual side effects including libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders.

According to CBSnews.com, the FDA fielded 421 reports of sexual side effects through their Adverse Events Reporting System for Propecia and another 131 for Proscar.

"Despite the fact that clear causal links between finasteride (Propecia and Proscar) and sexual adverse events have NOT been established, the cases suggest a broader range of adverse effects than previously reported in patients taking these drugs," the FDA said in a statement.

"Therefore, prescribers and patients need to be aware of them, as part of a discussion of risk and benefits of finasteride when determining the best treatment options."